Synopsis

The proliferation of alternative religions and radical communes in the 1970s terrified suburban parents whose teenage kids were seduced by a release from societal norms. Amidst this generational rift, deprogramming expert Ted “Black Lighting” Patrick rose to fame, testifying about the dangers of brainwashing and justifying his unorthodox methods of abduction and physical confinement to avoid a greater harm. If active today, Patrick would have his own reality channel. Filmmaker Mia Donovan’s stepbrother Matthew was one of Patrick’s final deprogramming efforts, initiated by Matthew’s father’s concerns about satanic worship. Decades later, Donovan sets out to investigate Patrick and address her unresolved questions about control and freedom. The willing participation of all parties, including Patrick and former cult members, combined with incredible archive video footage of their deprogramming sessions results in a captivating analysis of the democratic principles of personal rights and free will—and the institutions that threaten them.